Slideshow: YEP 2010 Light Up a Life Appeal

Hundreds of lights twinkled in memory of loved ones for this year's Yorkshire Evening Post Light Up a Life Appeal.

Families and couples braved a bitterly cold night to celebrate the lives of loved ones when a special 25ft tree was lit up in the city centre in their honour.

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More than 1,000 lights took pride of place on the tree in memory of someone special in The Light Shopping Centre and their names were featured on our very special Roll of Honour.

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A staggering 10,500 has been raised so far for this year's appeal to be split between St Gemma's and Wheatfields hospices in Moortown and Headingley.

Katherine Dunnigan and her husband Robert have attended Wednesday's special carol service for the last eight years in memory of both of their parents.

Mrs Dunnigan, from Morley, said: "It is a lovely way to remember them

as well as helping the hospices.

"You get to help out other people as well so it is wonderful.

"I would not miss this for anything."

Shirley Wood and her elderly father Alfred Lofthouse, from Bramley,

sponsored a light in memory of her mum Florrie Lofthouse who sadly died from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

It is the second year that they have supported the YEP Appeal and they said: "We love it because it is such a great idea.

"It is fantastic and we will always support it while it is on.

"It is such a lovely symbol."

The service featured the Yorkshire Community Brass Band and the Wesley Singers, and ended with a resounding version of O Come All Ye Faithful.

After the service guests gathered around the Roll of Honour which has been supported by Fastsigns since the Appeal first started in 2002 and includes the names of each person remembered and represented by one of the sparkling Christmas tree lights.

YEP editor Paul Napier, pictured left opening the service, said: "Light Up a Life is a chance for us to recognise the work of our wonderful hospices, work which goes on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

"It is also a time to remember those who remain close to us even though we've lost them."